Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
A lighter mac and cheese made by blending cooked cauliflower with warmed milk, cheddar and butter to make a creamy sauce, then tossing it with cooked pasta.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ?1 small head cauliflower stem discarded and chopped into small pieces; or about 4 cups florets
- ??cupmilk warmed slightly
- ?1 cupshredded cheddar cheese
- ?2 tablespoonsbutter
- ?1/4 teaspoonsalt optional
- ?pinchgarlic powder optional
- ?1 poundpasta such as elbow or other mini pasta shape
Instructions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 small head cauliflower (stem discarded and chopped into small pieces; or about 4 cups florets) and cook 8–10 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the cauliflower.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to transfer the cooked cauliflower from the pot to a blender. Keep the boiling water in the pot (you will use it to cook the pasta).
- To the blender with the cauliflower add the ?? cup milk (warmed slightly), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ teaspoon salt (optional), and a pinch garlic powder (optional). Blend until the mixture is smooth and sauce-like.
- While the sauce is blending (or immediately after), add 1 pound pasta (such as elbow or another mini pasta shape) to the reserved boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the empty pot.
- Pour the blended cauliflower-cheese sauce over the drained pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is heated through. Serve warm.
Equipment
- Calphalon 5-Quart Pot
Notes
Store any leftovers in anairtight containerin the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve.
You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in anairtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta.
Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.
I usually buy blocks of cheese and grate the cheese since it tends to be less expensive, but you can use purchased grated cheese if you prefer.
Omit the garlic powder if you’re at all worried that the kids may not like it.
Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.
You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in anairtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta.
Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best.
I usually buy blocks of cheese and grate the cheese since it tends to be less expensive, but you can use purchased grated cheese if you prefer.
Omit the garlic powder if you’re at all worried that the kids may not like it.
Stir the sauce into the pasta right before serving.